Job Type: Temporary
Salary Details: $22/hr. & medical, dental, and vision insurance available at no cost
Deadline: Jan 19, 2024

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), is recruiting an Ecological Technician for the Southern Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office. This position will provide field and office support to biologists in the Partners for Fish and Wildlife (Partners) Program and Ecological Services (ES) branches. Tasks will include planning and implementing habitat restoration projects on private lands and recovery work for federally threatened and endangered species in southern Nevada and the Mojave Desert in California.

Duties will include, but are not limited to:

  • Assisting the Partners biologist with habitat restoration projects on private lands.
  • Provide physical labor for maintaining and implementing habitat restoration projects including installing fences, planting plants, watering plants, treatment of invasive weeds, and vegetation management activities.
  • Planting and propagation of native plants, including seeding, transplanting, pole planting, seed collection, and seed propagation.
  • Monitoring habitat restoration projects to help document project success. 
  • Building relationships with private landowners and community members through informal outreach activities.
  • Assisting with the management and planning of habitat restoration projects, including meeting and advising project partners.
  • Assisting ES biologists with recovery work for threatened and endangered species.
  • Participating in surveys for sensitive and listed species.
  • Drafting summary reports and presenting at local meetings.
  • Teaching the public about the Mojave Desert, habitat restoration, and the USFWS at public events.
  • Working cooperatively with federal, state, and private partners.
  • Coordinate volunteer work projects and activities with partners.

Contract Timeline:

• 52 week assignment
• Full time (40 hours/week)
• Start Date: November 2023- January 2024

Location:

Southern Nevada Fish & Wildlife Office in the northwest part of Las Vegas. In addition to the scenic desert beauty at the USFWS national wildlife refuges, there are several other recreation and natural setting opportunities to explore close by. Death Valley National Park, Mojave National Preserve, Joshua Tree National Park, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Lake Mead National Recreation Area and more are within a few hours driving distance and afford a variety of outdoor activities ranging from hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing to fishing, boating and skiing/snowboarding.

Compensation and Benefits:

• $22.00/hour
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available at no cost

Job Qualifications:

Technical requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in biology (botany or conservation), wildlife ecology or management, or related field. 
  • Familiarity and experience with habitat restoration approaches and techniques.
  • Plant identification skills and previous experience in invasive plant management and/or restoration ecology desirable.
  • Familiarity with and interest in the ecology of desert habitat and associated resource management issues.
  • Experience in collecting data accurately and entering data correctly into a computer system.
  • Ability to use GPS unit or mobile device to record and locate points and to record field data; and
  • Familiarity with use of ArcGIS to create, import, and export maps and data.

Additional requirements:

  • Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record.
  • Ability to safely drive a 4WD vehicle on unimproved roads.
  • Ability to self-direct and self-motivate.
  • Ability to work productively, consistently and cooperatively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals. 
  • Possess strong organizational skills.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and efficiently with the public, coworkers, and Technical Advisors both orally and in writing, and respond in a professional manner to inquiries from the public regarding work activities.
  • Ability to safely conduct strenuous fieldwork requiring regular physical exertion including hiking on uneven terrain.
  • Ability to lift and carry heavy items, such as equipment packs weighing up to 50 pounds, on a regular basis.
  • Familiarity with backcountry, and low-impact principles preferred.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply on the GBI website: ttps://www.vscyberhosting.com/greatbasin/Careers.aspx?req=2023-RAP-071&type=JOBDESCR